"My first thoughts about a dedicated glass for Syrah date from a visit I made to the Guigal family in 1992," says Georg Riedel. "Until that time we had always suggested our Burgundy glasses as being best suited for Syrah. But faced with wines of such magnificence I began to think that perhaps we could find a superior alternative."

The Syrah variety was first planted in the Northern Rhine region by the Romans. It produces deeply pigmented, well-structured wines with excellent ageing potential.

The Riedel Sommelier Hermitage/Shiraz glass was developed between 1993 and 1995 following tastings in the major Syrah-growing regions, with many influential winemakers kindly contributing their views.

The mouth blown, lead crystal glass is shaped to deliver the classic Syrah aromas of toast and black olives. On the palate, it brings out the wine's silky, velvety structure and balanced flavours. The tannins melt into the fruit, appearing sweet rather than acerbic on the back palate.